The Big Fat Clothing Swap and Market

04/05/2025

We had an absolute blast today! Thanks to everyone who donated, volunteered, and shopped with us! As soon as we recover we will post a recap. 🩷💙💞💖

04/04/2025

The swap is TOMORROW! Here’s what you need to know.

🗓️ When: The swap is happening tomorrow, Saturday April 5. Shopping is open to everyone from 1-4pm. VIP hour is 12-1 and open to those who have donated clothing or volunteered. Message us about volunteering if you want access!

📍Where: We will be on the first floor of the Acadiana Center for the Arts, located at 101 W Vermillion St in Lafayette, near the entrance.

💲Cost: Entry is free! If you’re able to donate $5-10 to help us cover our costs, that is appreciated.

📏Sizing: We have a unique sizing system using actual measurements instead of tag size. Volunteers will be available to help you determine your swap size.

🚻 Dressing rooms: We will have a communal dressing room and the bathrooms are also available for a more private changing experience.

🏷️ Vendors: We will have several vendors with clothing up to size 4X, accessories, and art for sale!

🛍️ Bags: We won’t have shopping bags so be sure to bring your own if you’d like one to carry your new finds.

📝 Check out: We will have a check out process as you leave. Please leave your hangers, tell us how many items you’re taking home so we can measure impact, donate if able, and leave feedback for us.

🤲🏻 Leftovers: All leftover clothing and monetary donations above our costs will be donated to the Extra Mile’s Clothing Closet.

We can’t wait to see all your gorgeous faces tomorrow!

04/03/2025

Here’s the Access Guide for the April 5, 2025 Swap! We want this event to be as accessible as possible so please reach out if we haven’t covered something important or if you need an additional accommodation.

🚘 Parking: There is limited parking near the ACA. You can drop someone off at the passenger loading zone in front of the ACA. If you need accessible parking and are struggling to find a spot nearby, message us.

🦮 Aid access: The ACA is wheelchair accessible. Service dogs are welcome.
We will be located on the first floor near the entrance and bathrooms are available on the first floor.

🙈 Light/sound: We will have music playing at the market and can not control the lighting at the ACA. If you are looking for the quietest time to swing by, we recommend 2-3 pm.

👩‍🦼‍➡️ Layout: We are working to ensure our layout provides ample space for folks to comfortably move around regardless of size or use of mobility aids.

📏 Measurement: We will be taking measurements for those who wish to have them taken. When we ask if you’d like to be measured, you can decline or let our volunteers know you would like to take your own.

🏷️ Sizing: While we hope our sizing system makes this a better shopping experience for most, we know it might be difficult to understand our system. Let us know if you’d like a shopping assistant to help you!

🚻 Changing rooms: We know changing rooms can be tough! We will have access to the ACA first and second floor bathrooms for use as a changing room. There is one accessible stall in each bathroom and an elevator to the second floor.

🪑 Seating: Need a sit break? The ACA has seating available near the stairwell on the first floor. This is close to where our event will be held.

❓Anything else? If you need any help during the event, please see one of our volunteers. We are here to support you in making this event enjoyable and accessible.

04/01/2025

Calling all volunteers!
The swap is happening in just 5 days - no joke!
We need folks to help with set up from 10-12, during the event from 12-4, and with break down 4-5.
Volunteering grants you access to shop first during our VIP hour from 12-1 and you get to be a part of making the swap happen.
Set up and break down require the ability to lift heavy boxes, stand for a while and bend down repeatedly. We have volunteer opportunities that allow sitting during the swap.
If you want to help us out, just send a message and we can chat about how you can help best!

03/29/2025

Only 1 1/2 more days to get your donations in! If you wear sizes 4X and up or more masculine/men’s clothing we would especially love it if you are able to donate by tomorrow.

Here are the details on donating:

👖 What
We will accept clothes, shoes, and accessories that meet these requirements:
* Gently used, excellent or new condition. No stains, holes, pilling, etc. Tasteful mending acceptable. Please wash clothes before donating.
* Tops size XL and up
* Bottoms sizes W 16/34, M 38 and up
* Shoes sizes W9/M7/40 and up; will take smaller sizes if they are wide width
* Accessories that fit larger sizes
* No intimates, please

🏡 Where
Drop your items at any of these locations:
• 712 Saint Louis St (Saint Streets)
• 600 Grassy Meadows Ln. (near Acadian Village)
• 129 Pinion Circle (Southside/near River Ranch)
• 110 Cedar Mound Lane (Youngsville)

✅ How
Each location will have a waterproof box on the porch where you can leave your items. We will also have a sheet for you to leave your name so you can access the VIP shopping hour!

Don’t have items to donate but want to shop the VIP hour? Message us about volunteering!

Drop your questions below! 👇🏼

03/19/2025

Check out this spot about the swap on KATC! We’re thankful for the great coverage!

The Big Fat Clothing Swap is back for its second event, offering a free and inclusive shopping experience for people in sizes XL and above.

02/24/2025

It’s time to clean out your closets! We will be accepting donations starting this Saturday, March 1!

Here are the details on donating:

👖 What
We will accept clothes, shoes, and accessories that meet these requirements:
* Gently used, excellent or new condition. No stains, holes, pilling, etc. Tasteful mending acceptable. Please wash clothes before donating.
* Tops size XL and up
* Bottoms sizes W 16/34, M 38 and up
* Shoes sizes W9/M7/40 and up; will take smaller sizes if they are wide width
* Accessories that fit larger sizes
* No intimates, please

🗓️ When
We will be taking donations March 1-22.

🏡 Where
Drop your items at any of these locations:
• 712 Saint Louis St (Saint Streets)
• 600 Grassy Meadows Ln. (near Acadian Village)
• 129 Pinion Circle (Southside/near River Ranch)
• 110 Cedar Mound Lane (Youngsville)

✅ How
Each location will have a waterproof box on the porch where you can leave your items. We will also have a sheet for you to leave your name so you can access the VIP shopping hour!

Don’t have items to donate but want to shop the VIP hour? Volunteer with us! More info coming soon.

Drop your questions below! 👇🏼

02/19/2025

We’re looking for vendors for the April swap!
Is that you? Have a favorite local artist/vendor who sells clothing, accessories, or something else centered around fat bodies?
Link to our application and vendor agreement is in our bio!